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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.22.2000 Minutes February 22, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Iseminger, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Local Management Board (LMB)meeting and the Airport Commission meeting. Commissioner Swartz reported on the following meetings: Transportation Advisory Committee, Complete County Committee – Census 2000, Recreation & Parks Board, Children’s Council, and the Stadium Task Force Committee. He informed the Commissioners that MIHI is sponsoring an accessibility workshop at Hagerstown Community College and reminded them that the County spelling bee is scheduled for February 26. Commissioner Iseminger reported that he participated in the League of Women Voters radio show. He stated that he attended the Emergency Services Council meeting and the Agricultural Education Center Board meeting. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he attended a session at the State Capitol Building held in the old Senate chamber. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the United Way annual luncheon is scheduled for March 16. He noted that the Commissioners have received invitations for the Sharpsburg Memorial Day parade and for the grand opening of the new Funkstown Moose Club. He distributed a letter received from the Department of Assessments & Taxation regarding the legal requirements for the constant yield tax. Commissioner Snook reported on the Substance Abuse/Mental Health Advisory Council meeting. He recommended that several advisory groups with a similar focus be merged into one group. He informed the Commissioners that the Potomac Valley Volunteer Fire Company banquet is scheduled for March 18. Commissioner Snook stated that a letter was received from the Baltimore Orioles asking whether the County wants to participate in Maryland County Employees Night at the stadium. He stated that he received a letter from the Department of the Environment indicating that they will be accepting comments on the stormwater management proposal and its effects on the Chesapeake Bay. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that the Board of Education’s budget presentation is scheduled for February 28 at Hagerstown Community College. He commented that if Program Open Space funds are used to construct a new track at Boonsboro High School, it must be made available for public use. YOUTH OF THE MONTH NOMINATIONS – OCTOBER 1999 – FEBRUARY 2000 The Commissioners presented Certificates of Merit to the following youths in recognition of their selection as Youths of the Month by the Washington County Children's Council: September 1999 – Kathryn S. Buchenroth, North Hagerstown High School; October 1999 – Amy E. Mills, Clear Spring Middle School; November 1999 – Lindsey Banister, Clear Spring Middle School; December 1999 – Tara E. Brown, Clear Spring Middle School; and January 2000 – Janae Aiken, Northern Middle School. The Commissioners commended them for their leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities and reviewed the accomplishments of each student. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – JOSEPH KROBOTH Commissioner Schnebly presented a certificate of merit to Joseph Kroboth, Assistant Chief Engineer, in recognition of having received his license as FEBRUARY 22, 2000 PAGE TWO a Registered Professional Engineer and a certification as a Registered Licensed Surveyor. The Commissioners congratulated Mr. Kroboth on this accomplishment and acknowledged the many years of education and perseverance required to achieve this goal. PASS-THROUGH GRANTS FOR HEALTHY FAMILES AND GOVERNOR’S ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY TEEN PARENT PARTNERSHIP John Budesky, Director of the Office of Children & Youth, asked the Commissioners to approve pass-through grants for the Healthy Families Governor’s Council Adolescent Pregnancy programs. He introduced Markella Maschas, the new director of the Healthy Families Program. Mr. Budesky informed the Commissioners that the Washington County Hospital and the Health Department serve as lead vendors in the Healthy Families program that provides in-home support to first-time mothers who are determined to be at risk. He stated that the Adolescent Pregnancy program supports the Teen Parent Partnership of Washington County in pregnancy prevention and provides comprehensive services to Girls Inc. of Washington County, CASA, the Family Center, and Resources for Children and Families. The Commissioners asked for a six-month progress report on the program. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve pass-through grants for Healthy Families Washington County in the amount of $262,690 and the Governor’s Council Adolescent Pregnancy (Teen Parent Partnership) in the amount of $43,508, pending negotiation of the agreements. Unanimously approved. FAIRVIEW ACRES SUBDIVISION – CONFIRMATORY DEED John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, and Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, asked the Commissioners to accept a confirmatory deed for Lot 7, Section A of the Fairview Acres subdivision from Elizabeth Crawford, the surviving developer. Mr. Martirano explained that Elizabeth Crawford and the late Claude Crawford received approval from the Planning Commission in 1973 to develop Section C of Fairview Acres as a residential development. The Planning Commission did require them to provide a deed to Lot 7, Section A to be held in escrow as security for the construction of the streets leading to the development. He stated that the streets were not constructed as required and the original deed provided to the County cannot be located. Mr. Martirano informed the Commissioners that Mrs. Crawford was willing to execute a confirmatory deed conveying the lot to the County to replace the lost original. He recommended that the County convey the lot to the Fairview Acres property owners to allow them to sell the lot and use the proceeds to maintain the private road as it now exists. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to accept a confirmatory deed from Elizabeth Crawford for Lot 7, Section A of Fairview Acres and then convey the lot to Fairview Acres Property Owners to allow them to sell it and use the proceeds to maintain the private road as it now exists. Unanimously approved. TRI-STATE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER Paul Capcara, Executive Director of the Tri-State Community Health Center, appeared before the Commissioners to provide information about the Center’s role in the Hancock community. He stated that the Center’s mission is to assure that all residents in its service area have access to quality health care. Mr. Capcara indicated that the Center utilizes a sliding scale that is based on the patient’s income. He informed the Commissioners that he is focusing on ways to insure that high-risk patients are linked to other needed services. Mr. Capcara provided information on the Center and the funding it receives. He indicated that 60% of the patients are from Maryland, 20% from West Virginia and 20% from Pennsylvania. The Commissioners welcomed Mr. Capcara to Washington County. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT USER CHARGES – REGIONAL AIRPORT Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, met with the Commissioners to ask for their approval of stormwater management user charges at the Airport. Mr. McGee explained that the current Taxiway A project and future projects that are served by the regional stormwater management pond now under design are eligible for FAA reimbursement. He outlined the costs that are eligible for reimbursement from FAA. Mr. McGee stated that the County could recover FEBRUARY 22, 2000 PAGE THREE $56,594 for the stormwater management pond for the Taxiway A project if the following FAA conditions are met: 1) pond design and sizing method are approved by the FAA; 2) FAA funding approval is received prior to actual pond construction; 3) the method of determining cost allocation is approved by the FAA; and 4) that the County provides assurance to FAA of assessment and collection of off-site stormwater management charges from other users. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to include stormwater management charges in the Taxiway A project for FAA reimbursement and to agree to comply with the conditions outlined by FAA for reimbursement. Unanimously approved. DISCUSSION OF YMCA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Nica Sutch of Four Star Athletic Complex and Eric Easton from Gold’s Gym, met with the Commissioners to discuss the YMCA’s request for financial assistance. He stated that they are members of a group named “Small Business Together for the Community” that was recently formed. Mr. Easton had several questions for the Commissioners regarding the request made by the YMCA for capital funding for their new facility. Mr. Easton suggested that the funding could be better allocated to other activities such as reducing the water and sewer debt or education. He asked that the County consider providing a distribution to all family fitness centers and that the YMCA lose its tax-exempt status for services where fees are charged in the same manner as private facilities. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Nica Sutch from 4 Star Athletic Complex provided information on ways in which her business helps in the community. Ms. Sutch had several questions about nonprofit organizations and the YMCA’s tax-exempt status. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to convene in closed session at 11:03 p.m. to discuss personnel issues and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, all in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed from 12:08 p.m. to 1:06 p.m. for lunch. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 3:18 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel issues and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on three (3) matters. Present during closed session were Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Alan Davis, Human Resources Director; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; LeRoy Myers, Myers Building Systems; Randy Dick, Permits & Inspections; Sheriff Charles Mades; Captain Carroll Keller; and Lt. Douglas Mullendore. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:18 p.m. TAX SETOFF – KEEDYSVILLE TOWN HALL The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Keedysville Community Center by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following Commissioners present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax setoff or payment- in-lieu-of-services program. Commissioner Snook stated that, for fiscal year 1999, Keedysville received $3,117. In fiscal year 2000, it is projected that the Town will receive $3,258, an increase of 4.51%. FEBRUARY 22, 2000 PAGE FOUR Commissioner Snook stated that the Town of Sharpsburg received $4,427 in FY 1999 and is projected to receive $4,627 in FY 2000. The Commissioners then discussed items of interest to the Keedysville and Sharpsburg officials. The meeting was opened to the public for comment. Items discussed included historic preservation, the notification procedures used for Board of Zoning Appeals hearings, and the Old Keedysville School property. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk February 28, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland FISCAL YEAR 2001 BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET HEARING The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Kepler Theatre at Hagerstown Community College by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present were Board of Education members Dori Nipps, Edwin Hayes, Andrew Humphreys, Paul Bailey, Herbert Hardin, and Mary Wilfong. Mr. Bailey provided an overview of the Board of Education's total budget request for Fiscal Year 2001. He stated that the proposed total request is $66,162,217. Mr. Hardin outlined the new process used to engage the community in helping to establish priorities. Ms. Wilfong presented information on staff development and technology. Mr. Hayes provided information on the reading initiative and the expansion of the program into the high schools. Ms. Nipps presented information on proposed salary increases and personnel requests. Mr. Humphries presented information on how education affects economic development. Following the presentation, the meeting was opened for questions on the budget from the County Commissioners. The meeting was then opened for questions and comments. Commissioner Snook informed those in attendance that the budget hearing for the County is scheduled for April 25 at the Kepler Theater at Hagerstown Community College. After hearing all comments, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. , County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk February 29, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. BUDGET PRESENTATIONS – SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Sheriff Charles Mades, Lt. Van Evans, and Lt. Doug Mullendore presented the FY 2001 Sheriff's Department budget as follows: Judicial - $706,164; Patrol Division - $3,957,747; and Detention Center - $5,821,299. They each reviewed significant changes requested in the FY 2001 budget. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:56 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners John L. Schnebly, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and William J. Wivell. The Commissioners welcomed former Washington County Commissioner, Burton Hoffman, and his wife, Patsy, who were visiting from Texas. Mr. Hoffman then stayed to observe the budget presentation. BUDGET PRESENTATIONS - HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT AND SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT Highway Fund – J. Theodore Wolford, Superintendent of the Highway Department; James Sterling, Assistant Director; Jack Reynard, Fleet Manager; Dave Shrader, Traffic & Safety Supervisor; and Diane Mongan, Office Associate, presented the Highway Department budget request for FY FEBRUARY 29, 2000 PAGE TWO 2001 in the total amount of $6,408,930 for all budgets. The staff highlighted the major changes in budget categories and line items and the reasons for the proposed increases. Mr. Wolford stated that the Department is funded by highway user revenue distributed by the State of Maryland to fund expenditures associated with maintaining the road system. Solid Waste - Robert Davenport, Director of the Solid Waste Department, along with Steven Zies, Operations Manager; Donna Fuss, Office Associate; and Harvey Hoch, Recycling Coordinator, presented the budget request for the Solid Waste Department for FY 2001 in the total amount of $4,060,400 for all landfill budgets. BID AWARD – HEAVY-DUTY RESCUE BODY, BREATHING AIR SYSTEM Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to award the contract for one heavy-duty rescue body, breathing air system, and generator to be mounted on a County-owned chassis for Air Unit Company - Company 25 to Pierce Manufacturing as represented by Potomac Fire Equipment for the total base bid price of $280,536.20 and to prepay $265,000 at contract signing to obtain a discount of $11,925. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – SALE OF COMPANY 25’S RESCUE AIR UNIT 251 Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to award the bid for sale of Company 25’s rescue air unit 251 to the Franklin County Fire Company #10 of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, which submitted a bid of $35,000. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to convene in closed session at 3:15 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, consider proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, discuss the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, and discuss collective bargaining issues, all in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to reconvene in open session at 5:07 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, discussed one (1) matter concerning the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, discussed collective bargaining issues, and considered one (1) proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State. Present during closed session were Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Alan Davis, Human Resources Director; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager; Steve Luchessi, Chuck Trace, Ray Morabec, and Brett Cauldwell from URS Corporation; John Howard, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Tim Troxell, Assistant Director of EDC; and EDC members Suzanne Downey Hayes and Gerald Hoak. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 5:07 p.m. EVENING SESSION – TOWN OF WILLIAMSPORT The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Williamsport Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also in attendance were Mayor John Slayman, Assistant Mayor James Black and Council members James Kalbfleisch, Earle Pereshuck, Gloria Bitner, Roxanne Long, and Walter Tracy, Jr. FEBRUARY 29, 2000 PAGE THREE Tax Setoff Program Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax setoff program. He then reviewed calculations for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that for Fiscal Year 2000 the Town is estimated to receive $53,061, which is an increase of 4.41 percent from last year. He reminded the Mayor and Council of the importance of getting an accurate count in the upcoming census. DISCUSSION OF TOPICS OF INTEREST – WILLIAMSPORT TOWN COUNCIL Commissioner Snook provided an update on that Williamsport elderly housing and Church Street projects. He informed them that the County has allocated monies in the CIP budget for the construction of a bridge over the small run on Church Street and the extension of the street. Commissioner Snook stated that all permits have been obtained for the road extension project and the wetlands mitigation fee has been paid to the Department of the Environment. He indicated that plans to bid the construction of the expansion of the senior citizens housing complex and the Church Street extension would be bid at the same time. After the bids are obtained, they will apply to the State for funding. John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, stated that he hopes to have the agreement for the water line extension at Grove Avenue completed and to the Town Attorney for his review in approximately three weeks. Commissioner Snook provided details on the County’s plans to purchase the F&M Bank Building at 80 West Baltimore Street. He stated that the public hearing for comments regarding the proposed sale is scheduled for March 14. Commissioner Snook reviewed the reasons why the Commissioners decided to purchase the facility. Commissioner Snook informed the Mayor and Council that since 1996, all homeowners have had the option to pay their real estate taxes on a semi-annual basis. He stated that there is a $12 service charge for paying taxes in this manner. Commissioner Snook stated that only one percent of citizens are paying taxes on a semi-annual basis. The Commissioners also discussed the proposal to fund a new stadium. Commissioner Snook informed the Mayor and Council that they will be meeting with the local delegation to the General Assembly tomorrow to discuss the plan developed by the delegation. Commissioner Schnebly explained the County’s initial proposal and how it was changed by the delegation. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Austin Gross, an employee of the local Census Department, expressed concerns that they have filled only 24 percent of the 1,200 census taker positions. He outlined the measures they are taking to assure an accurate count. Mr. Gross stated that they would appreciate any help the Commissioners provided. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that John Clopper, a member of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, is sponsoring an essay contest to highlight the importance of recycling. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Emergency Services Council meeting. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he acted as a judge in the Wal-Mart scholarship contest. He stated that he participated in Initiative 2000, a workshop sponsored by the Disabilities Advisory Committee. Commissioner Swartz reported on the Community Action Council meeting. He stated that he and Commissioner Wivell represented the County in a spelling bee over the weekend. He also reported on the Board of Education budget presentation. Commissioner Schnebly reported that he attended the Boonsboro Ambulance Company’s annual banquet. He stated that he attended a Leadership Hagerstown session. He also asked Mr. Shoop to get additional information on the Board of Education’s health insurance estimates. FEBRUARY 29, 2000 PAGE FOUR APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 15 AND 22, 2000 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of February 10 and 15, 2000, as submitted and February 22, 2000, as amended. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint Richard Reichenbaugh as a representative of the City of Hagerstown to the Economic Development Commission for a term to expire June 30, 2001. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that they have a breakfast meeting with the Cooperative Extension Service next Tuesday. He stated that they would have a budget session next week to review the projected revenues for fiscal year 2001. Commissioner Swartz informed the Town officials that the Program Open Space request for FY 2001 had been approved by the Recreation & Parks Board. DENIAL OF REQUEST TO OVERLAY MT. VERNON ROAD Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to deny the request made by the Town of Keedysville to overlay Mt. Vernon Road since it lies within the Town limits. Unanimously approved. NATIONAL PIKE FESTIVAL AND WAGON TRAIN Paulette Sprinkle met with the Commissioners to announce that they will once again co-present the National Pike Festival and wagon train with the Washington County Historical Society. She asked that the County assist by providing law enforcement, an application for the State Highway permit, and a small amount of copy services and postage. She estimated the cost to be $800 to $1,000. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the request for $1,000 in funding for the National Pike Festival to be used as outlined, with funds to be taken from the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk